Smart Money Smart Investing – Why Saving Isn’t Enough

Last weekend I met with my business coach, Sue Painter, to have a business intensive for the new year. If you own a business I highly recommend that you do this. Having clarity and direction keeps you focused. It also takes the “hobby” out of your business. As my friend Stephanie Burns, from Chic CEO says, “having vision gives the pain of change a purpose.” Brilliant!

As Sue and I talked about my direction, she asked me why I often write posts about finances. I am after all a designer, right? What the hell does finance have to do with design? Everything! As a leader in the world of conscious design, I teach people not only how to live better lives through mindful interiors, but I improve well-being. My firm focuses on 9 areas of your life that affect your personal well-being. Of those 9 areas, there are two that disrupt a home’s energy the most, and wreak havoc on it’s occupants: relationships and money. Of those two, money can sabotage everything.

If you have debt, or any other money issues looming in the background of your subconscious, you, and the energy of your home has been effected. It’s a proven fact that where the mind goes, energy flows. So if you have a deflated mindset, it will affect everything around you, including your home. In other words, I can energize your home, and create a killer vibe until the cows come home – but if your mind ain’t right neither will your home.

Have you ever heard that saying, “what would you do if you knew you would not fail?.” Well try this one on for size: “What would you do if money was no object?” Many have self-limiting beliefs behind money.

Money is:

the root of all evil

it’s only money

is only for the rich

I’m just not good with money

My family has never been rich

Rich or healthy – you can’t have both

it’s selfish

Instead, Money is:

SECURITY

FREEDOM

CHOICES

PEACE OF MIND – ding, ding, ding

Bottom line, it’s a mindset we have that was likely set before the age of seven. So let’s start breaking those beliefs, and making some smart investments. Nothing like some F-U money to give you peace of mind and a bad ass tan from Tahiti!

Smart Money Smart Investing – Why Saving Isn’t Enough

1) Compound interest

Investing your money creates wealth through compound interest. On average, investments, over the long term can yield a 7-10% increase on your money. A savings account only yields as little as .5% to 2%. Here’s a great example from the Motley Fool:

2) Extra dollars equal extra opportunity

The above example proves that investments work, but it’s also based on a single investment. Make every dollar count and put it to work for you. Set aside money each month for your wealth advancement. It’s really fun to see your money grow, and you’ll start prioritizing your lifestyle to what matters most.

Here’s a great example, I had a friend who, in my opinion, was “blowing” $200 a month on cable. She rarely watched TV but wanted all these stupid channels just in case. When I brought to her attention that she should invest that money, she scoffed – until I showed her that her cable bill would cost her $80 grand in wealth over the next thirty years. Needless to say, she no longer has cable.

For an excellent tool on what to set aside, and how much to invest visit Chris Hogans website. You do have to sign up for his newsletter but his nifty tool will tell you what to set aside each month based on your age and level of wealth you want in the future.

(A word of caution: DONT FREAK OUT! If you are over the age of 35 the monthly amount will be strong to guarantee a comfy retirement. As Thomas Stanley states – “Be willing to do what others won’t to have a life that they can’t”

3) Short-Term vs Long-Term Saving

I always advise to invest, invest, invest. That extra tax return that just came in – INVEST! Unless you have looming debt. All money should go towards paying off debt before any investments are made. Why? Debt holds a negative 15%-28% interest. Your investment yields 7%-10%. Keep things on the upswing – pay off your debt!

OK, back to the original broadcast. Everyone should have two types of savings. Short-term and Long-term.

Short-term is set up in your everyday savings or checking account. It is for emergencies. This is money that you may need access to in a 1 to 5 year time period. Dave Ramsey recommends a $1,000 emergency fund to get you started. Once that has been established, set up enough money to hold down the fort for a minimum of six months.

Long-term money is money set aside for wealth building and retirement. It could also be set-up for a college fund. This is quit-it-and-forget-it money.

Having money provides you options, and allows you to make decisions based on what you want vs what you can afford. It gives you freedom and peace of mind. And let me tell you – when I first left my husband a few years ago I had neither of these things. Money also provides freedom. Just think of the ease you could have knowing that you are growing wealth rather than depleting from it!

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